"I thought about everything like head coaches, assistant coaches, everything," Langford said. "I just thought of every factor. I just felt like Indiana was the best fit.

"Indiana is a basketball state. And me being Mr. Basketball, I know they are looking forward to it."

Without Romeo Langford, Vanderbilt class still strong

In terms of image, the consolation prize for Vanderbilt was that it was included in such an event that drew national attention.

Sure, it was an over-the-top spectacle, featuring a standing-room only crowd and 85 credentialed media members. A minister compared Langford to Abraham Lincoln. His high school coach said the 18-year-old shooting guard was "this generation's Oscar Robertson."

But in the end, a Vanderbilt cap was placed on the podium beside Indiana and Kansas. Even in losing the recruiting battle for the prized prospect, there was a value to that for Vanderbilt coach Bryce Drew, who has already targeted similar five-star prospects for next year's class.

But aside from image, there is a clear-cut reason for Vanderbilt to optimistically move forward. Even without Langford, the Commodores still tout a top-10 signing class, their highest ranking in program history.

Two McDonald's All-Americans, the first two ever signed by the Commodores, already are headed to Vanderbilt in five-star point guard Darius Garland, a Brentwood Academy standout, and five-star power forward Simi Shittu. Rounding out the class is four-star small forward Aaron Nesmith.

Vanderbilt still has one available scholarship remaining, which it should use on a Division I transfer before the late signing period ends May 16. The Commodores already have signed Syracuse transfer Matthew Moyer, a 6-foot-7 forward who must sit out the 2018-19 season to fulfill NCAA transfer rules.

Darius Garland announces commitment to Vanderbilt

Brentwood Academy standout decided to stay close to home and commit to Vanderbilt basketball.

Vanderbilt coach Bryce Drew on the Commodores’ worst start in 72 years

Vanderbilt posted a 3-6 record before taking 11 days off for exams.

Bryce Drew discusses Perry Wallace’s impact on Vanderbilt

Drew said he hopes the program will be able to represent Wallace in a good way moving forward.

Vanderbilt coach Bryce Drew after loss to Belmont

The Commodores loss to the Bruins 69-60 at Curb Event Center

Darius Garland chooses Vanderbilt

Brentwood Academy star Darius Garland signed with Vanderbilt.

Fisher-Davis ready to move past NCAA tourney foul, lead Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt’s Matthew Fisher Davis addressed the ill-timed foul against Northwestern in the NCAA tournament with a video on Twitterr.

Year two of Bryce Drew not without challenges for Vanderbilt

Bryce Drew, Vanderbilt coach, told the press that this year the team will have to find ways to replace high-producing seniors.

Vanderbilt basketball’s fabulous freshmen

Point guard Saben Lee, shooting guard Maxwell Evans and center Ejike Obinna have joined the Vanderbilt basketball team this summer.

Reach Adam Sparks at asparks@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.

Romeo Langford cracked a smile as he stepped to the mic to address his fellow students and fans as they gathered to witness the basketball standout from New Albany High receive his McDonald’s All-American jersey on Thursday afternoon. 2/22/18